Talbot Lake Rainforest Hike

Walk among giants in the Alaskan wilderness. At 17 million acres, the Tongass is the largest national forest in the United States. Just a 15-minute drive from The Mill at Ward Cove or 30-minutes from the downtown cruise ship piers will place you at the Talbot Lake trailhead located within this protected, national gem. The 3-mile roundtrip forest trail will surround you in towering western hemlock, Sitka spruce and red and yellow cedars. Depending on the time of year of your visit, wildflowers, berries, and mushrooms adorn the trail. Your experienced outdoor naturalist will provide a detailed narrative of the flora and fauna you may encounter on your trek and discuss the logging industry that was once the number one industry in Ketchikan. Take the time in between stories to enjoy the sounds and silence of this old-growth forest, the flowing water in the streams and the calls of feathered friends. Beavers are quite active along the trail, and you’ll see their handiwork as you make your way to your campfire destination. The end of the trail unveils the picturesque views of Talbot Lake and a warm fire to enjoy your refreshment and toasty snack. Sip hot chocolate fireside, as you gaze out over the lake, often blanketed in a soft mist.

After the refreshment stop, hike back along the trail keeping an eye out for wildlife and brook trout in the stream. Use different light angles to snap photographs you missed along the way. Your transfer vehicle will be waiting at the trailhead to transport you back to the cruise ship pier.

Duration:

3 hour guided tour (NCL, Oceania, Regent) 3.5 hour tour for ships docked downtown Ketchikan.

Provided:

• Rain poncho 

Snack:

• Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, S’mores 

Restrictions:

• Minimum age 5 years old